Springboks get custom-built gym in Durban

The Springboks will have a specially designed custom gymnasium facility in their hotel in Umhlanga, where the team will be based for the bulk of their preparations in the build-up to the Rugby World Cup.

The Virgin Active Remote Gym Facility has been set up in the basement of the team hotel, with equipment provided by Penta Solutions, Rebel Fitness, Sports Science Lab (SSL) and Active Africa. The Tsogo Sun group and in particular the Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga have also played a massive part in the setting up of this gym.

The Turbo Trainer from Star Trac

“Our fitness levels have already improved a lot in the last month, but it’s not yet where it should be and this great facility will provide us with an opportunity to really put in hours of hard work without any distractions,” said Basil Carzis, the Springboks’ Strength and Conditioning Coach.

“This ‘mobile gym’ is something we’ve been planning for months, along with SARU’s Commercial and Marketing and Rugby Departments. A lot of very hard work went into making it a reality and I’m very grateful to everyone for their willingness to get involved and assist in making this happen.”

Carzis said he is very excited to get working in this custom-build facility, which was designed to address the team’s specific as well as players’ individual needs.

“At top international level, the players’ needs are vastly different which is why we needed specialized equipment for this facility, which the players will have access to for 24 hours a day,” said Carzis.

“SSL provided sport specific strength and power training equipment, focused on technique strength, as well as foot and core mechanics. Active Africa gave us accessories such as suspended training devices, pull-up bars and mini-platforms.

“This will enable us to concentrate on every aspect of strength and conditioning, from metabolic and cardiovascular training, specific strength and power training as well as technique and biomechanics. We’ll be able to do position-specific training and it will also assist massively in the rehabilitation of injured players.”